Lectures For Lifelong Learners!

Through his use of verbal and visual humor, we will see how Mel Brooks used the medium of film to overcome adversity and champion the little guy.  Laughter was, and still is, his weapon.  We will see how he wields it in his most popular films. We’ll also examine some of Woody Allen’s early films, and see how Allen’s use of one-liners and gags, a carryover from his days as a standup comedian, developed into complex stories where his unique humor became an integral part of the story line.  We will observe the different types of humor used, from jokes only New Yorkers will get to Jewish humor to more gentle non-ethnic humor (e.g., “I have a gub” from Take the Money and Run). Suggested titles include: Blazing Saddles & Bananas.